Hovering Disk - DIY 3D Printed - Frictionless Motion Experiment

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The Gliding Disk is a 3D printed device, which showcases remarkably smooth motion. Air from the balloon flows through a small hole to the bottom of the disk, then distributes evenly across all sides. This steady air flow prevents the disk from touching the ground and causes it to begin gliding. See the disk in action: https://youtu.be/wl0n9UZzOhQ To demonstrate the gliding effect, use even surfaces like glass or flat tables. Print Settings Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator+ Rafts: No Supports: No Infill: 30% Notes: No Rafts, no support; ensure the print surface is even and undamaged. How I Designed This I created this using Autodesk Inventor. Watch the video from the description for more information. Overview and Background Teaching kinematics in physics requires discussing friction. What it is, where energy goes - these are essential topics. Demonstrating moving objects with friction is simple because friction is everywhere. However, showing moving objects with (nearly) no friction can be challenging. Use the "Gliding Disk - DIY 3D Printed - Frictionless Motion Experiment" to demonstrate movements with almost no friction. Lesson Plan and Activity This project serves as a lesson opener rather than the main content. Demonstrating the effect of nearly no friction provides a great introduction into the mechanics of moving objects.